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Kunsthistorisches Museum

Michaelina Wautier, Painter

30 September 2025 to 22 February 2026

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Press texts

Presse release - Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Forgotten, repressed, celebrated 
The Kunsthistorisches Museum presents the largest exhibition to date on the painter Michaelina Wautier

Press images

A group of figures in various poses celebrates a scene of revelry. Central is a muscular man seated, adorned in a leopard skin. Surrounding figures include musicians, mythological characters, and women in flowing garments, contributing to the festive atmosphere of the composition.

The Triumph of Bacchus
Michaelina Wautier
c. 1655–59
Oil on canvas, 271.5 × 355.5 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery
© KHM-Museumsverband

A seated woman with curly hair holds a palette and brushes, dressed in a dark robe over a light garment. She gazes directly at the viewer, with a blank canvas positioned to her side, suggesting she is an artist preparing to create a painting.

Self-portrait
Michaelina Wautier
c. 1650
Oil on canvas, 120 × 102 cm
Private collection
Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The image depicts two young women. One holds a leaf and looks at a basket of apples and roses, while the other gently touches a lamb, wearing a yellow shawl. A rich red background complements the scene, enhancing its warmth and intimacy.

Two Girls as Saints Agnes and Dorothy
Michaelina Wautier
c. 1655
Oil on canvas, 89.7 × 122 cm
Photographer: Rik Klein Gotink 
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp – 
Flemish Community
Photograph: under public domain

A boy is blowing bubbles, concentrating intently while another boy stands beside him, holding a hat. The first boy wears a loose clothing and has dark curly hair, while the second has straight, light hair and a serious expression. The setting includes a candle and some books.

Two Boys Blowing Bubbles
Michaelina Wautier
c. 1650–55 
Oil on canvas, 90.5 × 121.3 cm
Seattle Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Floyd Naramore
© Seattle Art Museum 

A young boy wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a brown coat stands, pinching his nose with one hand while holding a small object, possibly an egg, in the other hand. The background is dark, emphasizing the boy's thoughtful expression.

The Five Senses (Smell)
Michaelina Wautier
1650
Oil on canvas, 69.5 × 61 cm
Rose-Marie and Eijk Van Otterloo Collection, Boston
Photograph © 2025 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A young boy with long, light brown hair holds a piece of bread near his mouth, appearing to taste it. He wears a dark cloak and a white collar, set against a softly shaded background that emphasizes his expressive face.

The Five Senses (Taste)
Michaelina Wautier
1650
Oil on canvas, 69.5 × 61 cm
Rose-Marie and Eijk Van Otterloo Collection, Boston
Photograph © 2025 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A young boy with long, disheveled hair sits at a wooden table, seemingly deep in thought. He wears a dark, buttoned jacket and has one hand running through his hair while the other holds something small. The background is dim, highlighting his pensive expression.

The Five Senses (Touch)
Michaelina Wautier
1650
Oil on canvas, 69.5 × 61 cm
Rose-Marie and Eijk Van Otterloo Collection, Boston
Photograph © 2025 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A young boy with curly hair plays a wooden flute. He wears a dark outfit with a blue scarf and a red hat adorned with a feather. His expression is focused as he engages with the instrument, set against a muted background.

The Five Senses (Hearing)
Michaelina Wautier
1650
Oil on canvas, 69.5 × 61 cm
Rose-Marie and Eijk Van Otterloo Collection, Boston
Photograph © 2025 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A thoughtful individual is seen holding their glasses while looking intently at their hand. They have medium-length hair and wear a dark cloak. The background is softly lit, emphasizing their focused expression and the moment of contemplation.

The Five Senses (Sight)
Michaelina Wautier
1650
Oil on canvas, 69.5 × 61 cm
Rose-Marie and Eijk Van Otterloo Collection, Boston
Photograph © 2025 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A portrait of a man with a prominent beard, wearing a blue garment and a red hat. He gazes to the side with an expression that blends contemplation and curiosity. The background is dark and neutral, emphasizing the man's features and attire.

Portrait of Martino Martini
Michaelina Wautier
1654
Oil on canvas, 69.5 × 59 cm
The Klesch Collection, London
© Courtesy of The Klesch Collection

The image depicts a man and a woman, both showing expressions of care and contemplation, around a young girl who is holding a book. The scene conveys a sense of tenderness and guidance, highlighting the bond between the figures in a moment of shared learning.

The Education of the Virgin
Michaelina Wautier
1656
Oil on canvas, 144.7 × 119.4 cm
The Hague, Private collection, by courtesy of the Hoogsteder Museum Foundation

A detailed sketch of a human head in profile, featuring soft, curly hair and a serene expression. The background is a muted tone, enhancing the focus on the subject's facial features and contours.

Study of the Ganymede Medici Bust
Michaelina Wautier,
c. 1640–50
Black chalk, enhanced with white and ochre-coloured chalk, on paper,
430 x 283 mm
Private collection

A shoulder-length portrait of a man with long, wavy hair and a thin mustache. He wears a brown coat, a white lace collar, and a pink sash draped over his shoulder. The background is dark, emphasizing the figure's face and attire.

Portrait of a Military Commander
Michaelina Wautier
1646
Oil on canvas, 63 x 56.5 cm
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of
Belgium, Brussels

A portrait of a woman with long hair, wearing a black and white dress, seated beside an easel. She gazes directly at the viewer, capturing an air of confidence and poise against a dark background. The painting is framed and displayed in a gallery setting.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

Three framed paintings are displayed on a dark wall. The left painting features a woman with a flower, the central piece shows two figures with a basket, and the right painting depicts a woman holding a brush. A clear display case is visible in the foreground.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

An art gallery with a deep red wall featuring two framed paintings on the left. In the center, a pedestal displays a white ornate object. The scene is illuminated softly, with dark curtains draping on either side, enhancing the gallery atmosphere.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

An exhibition space features two blue garments displayed on stands, flanking a portrait of a man hanging on the wall. The setting has a minimalist design, with dark walls and a wooden floor, emphasizing the artworks.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

Interior view of an art gallery featuring a large classical painting depicting a group of figures amidst a dramatic scene. Smaller portraits are displayed on the adjacent wall. The room has ornate architecture with a wooden floor and subdued lighting, enhancing the artwork's presence.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

A large painting depicting a dynamic scene with several figures engaged in various actions is displayed on a deep red wall in a museum. To the right, a smaller painting can be seen, along with informational labels nearby. The floor has a wooden design, enhancing the gallery's elegant atmosphere.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

A gallery interior featuring several framed portraits on a deep red wall. The paintings include heads of various individuals, displayed in an art museum setting with intricate ceiling design. A dark bench is positioned in the center of the wooden floor.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

Five framed portraits displayed against a dark red wall, showcasing various figures. The artwork highlights different expressions and poses, with each portrait set within a decorative frame. A low display table is positioned in front of the portraits, enhancing the gallery setting.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

A gallery wall featuring three framed paintings. The central piece depicts a woman holding a child, accompanied by a man and an elderly figure. The surrounding paintings show two male figures with contemplative expressions. The wall is painted a rich burgundy color, enhancing the artwork's features.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

Alt text: An interior view of an art gallery featuring several framed paintings on a dark red wall. In the center, a banner displays the text "Michelina Wautier invenit et fecit." Two benches are positioned in front of the artwork on a wooden floor.

Michaelina Wautier, Painter
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband

Press contact

Mag. Dr. Wolfgang Lamprecht (ext. Leitung)
+43 1 525 24 4021

Mag. Sarah Aistleitner
+43 1 525 24 4025

Tanja Stigler

+43 1 525 24 4019

presse@khm.at

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